Washington’s landscape is incredibly diverse, which is one of the many, many things we love about it. And we’re lucky to have a long, sweeping stretch of coastline that offers everything from rocky ocean beaches to historic lighthouses. Cape Disappointment happens to have one of the most popular, most photographed lighthouses in the entire country. If you have yet to see the North Head Lighthouse, make this the year you go.
The lighthouse itself is closed due to current conditions, but you can still hike the trail and enjoy it from the outside (which is the best part anyway).
The North Head Lighthouse is located in the heart of Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco.
Jonathan Miske / Flickr The lighthouse sits about two miles north of Cape Disappointment and the mouth of the Columbia River.
The North Head Light was constructed in 1897, and it was was put into service the following year as the primary navigation aid at the mouth of the Columbia River.
syrahgir / TripAdvisor This lighthouse replaced a former one that was built in 1856 but apparently wasn’t visible to some of the approaching ships.
In 2012, ownership of this beautiful lighthouse was turned over to Washington State Parks.
ki0ki / TripAdvisor They’ve been renovating it off and on ever since, although its original structure is still standing tall.
To reach the lighthouse, you’ll walk a short trail through Cape Disappointment State Park.
Wikimedia Commons As you can see, there is absolutely nothing disappointing about this place.
Cape Disappointment is rich with Pacific Northwest History, and it’s one of Washington’s top – and most underrated – state parks.
Mary Anne Thygesen / Flickr The drive is out of the way for most Washingtonians, but it’s well worth the effort to visit.
The lighthouse itself is definitely worth exploring when current conditions allow, it’s worth the trip just to take photos from the outside.
shyboy2011 / TripAdvisor If you ever do venture inside, keep your eyes peeled for strange sights. It was featured on an episode of Ghost Adventures in 2018 and is rumored to be quite haunted.
It’s easy to see why this is one of Washington’s most photographed spots.
Jayl2k267 / Google The North Head Lighthouse is a beloved local icon.
Have you ever visited Cape Disappointment State Park and this magnificent lighthouse?
Jonathan Miske / Flickr
The lighthouse sits about two miles north of Cape Disappointment and the mouth of the Columbia River.
syrahgir / TripAdvisor
This lighthouse replaced a former one that was built in 1856 but apparently wasn’t visible to some of the approaching ships.
ki0ki / TripAdvisor
They’ve been renovating it off and on ever since, although its original structure is still standing tall.
Wikimedia Commons
As you can see, there is absolutely nothing disappointing about this place.
Mary Anne Thygesen / Flickr
The drive is out of the way for most Washingtonians, but it’s well worth the effort to visit.
shyboy2011 / TripAdvisor
If you ever do venture inside, keep your eyes peeled for strange sights. It was featured on an episode of Ghost Adventures in 2018 and is rumored to be quite haunted.
Jayl2k267 / Google
The North Head Lighthouse is a beloved local icon.
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Address: Cape Disappointment, Washington 98624, USA
